New chapter: Peace Corps Peru

For those of you new to this blog, welcome! If you're reading this, you likely know that I'm about to embark on a 27-month long adventure in Peru as a Peace Corps volunteer. During that time, I hope to use this blog to keep friends and family updated on my life and work in Peru. However, while a blog is the easiest way for me to share stories with you all, it can be a very one-sided means of communication. I'm counting on you to overcome this - read a post, then write me an email about what's going on in your life! Being away from those I care about for 2+ years is by far my least favorite piece of Peace Corps, so please keep in touch. Of course, visitors to Peru are also welcome at any time :)

Now, by way of introduction, answers to some questions I've been hearing repeatedly over the last few months:

Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps?
The Peace Corps is something that's been in the back of my mind since high school, if not before, as a unique and challenging adventure that always sounded right up my alley. For one, I love to travel, experience different cultures, encounter new people, and learn too many languages. But perhaps more importantly, I am passionate about international development, particularly the areas of women's empowerment, microfinance, and education. While Peace Corps has its faults, it remains a great opportunity for a young/inexperienced, yet passionate/motivated person like myself to get on the ground and work collaboratively with a community to solve issues that limit their freedoms and well-being.

When do you leave?
June 6: leave Seattle for a one-day orientation in DC. June 8: leave DC, fly through Miami, and on to Peru!

Where will you be?
Until mid-August, I will be in Chaclacayo, a community just outside of Lima (the capital), for in-country training. I won't know my final site placement (where I'll spend my two years) until midway through training, and it could be anywhere from the beach to the Andes. During training I'll be with a group of 47 volunteers, but at post I could be flying solo in a village or in a larger town near a few other volunteers. I will be living with a host family throughout my time in Peru.

Will you have internet? A cell phone? Electricity? Running water?
Internet: at minimum once a month, at most in my house or town. Cell phone: eventually yes, but cell phone service could be another story. Electricity: likely yes. Running water: possibly. These things vary a lot between different sites, so I won't know the details until I'm assigned.

What will you be doing?
My official title is Small Business Promoter, and I will be serving as part of Peace Corps' community economic development program. Each volunteer's work is different, and the projects you pursue depend very much on the needs of your particular site, but some of my potential activities include: working with artisan co-ops, setting up micro-savings groups, promoting entrepreneurship among women and youth, teaching business and/or technology classes, etc.

Are you excited/nervous/happy/scared/insert-favorite-adjective-here?

Yes.